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| Source: Honda India |
When I hear the name Gold Wing, the white Kawasaki T-1000 motorcycle from the film ‘Terminator 2’ flashes in front of my eyes. Yup, the regular police bike which introduced me to the segment of heavy touring bikes. These kind of bikes are for heavy-duty purposes and for long as well as city rides.
There are many brands producing bikes but, today we are focusing on The Honda Gold Wing.
Yes, the legendary Gold Wing. Gold Wing is the segment of touring bikes by Honda. The production started in the 1980s and, from that time it has got a lot of fan base and recognition in society as well.
It was a very famous motorbike in U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Scandinavian countries and Japan. From then on Gold Wing has been a craze for the bike enthusiasts.
It was a very famous motorbike in U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Scandinavian countries and Japan. From then on Gold Wing has been a craze for the bike enthusiasts.
Specifications:
ENGINE
Type
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Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 24 valve SOHC flat-6
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Displacement
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1,833cc
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Valves Per Cylinder
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4
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Bore x Stroke
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73mm x 73mm
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Compression Ratio
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10.5:1
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Max. Power Output
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93kW/5500rpm
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Max. Torque
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170Nm/4500rpm
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| Source: Honda India |
Looks and Design
In looks, it’s one of the best touring bikes you can find in the market. This 6th generation has a brand new, now slimmer and focussed; like a missile which is comfortable to ride.
Yes, this bike is really a big and heavy one but, you can never consider it an ugly one. It's not just a big and powerful bike; loaded with many features as always it has been now, is ready to give a tough time to its rivals.
But now u don’t have to go through 50 keys to do what u want. Now it has a 7-inch infotainment system which is easy to access and go through; with the premium audio system showing the state-of-the-art electronic technology.
it’s not just listening to music, with an available Bluetooth headset, even answering calls without taking off your helmet. Also, a dedicated port lets you plug in a USB flash drive too. It has even got electric wind deflectors adjustment.
A first for the motorcycle industry! Apple CarPlay seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your new Gold Wing. You can use your iPhone to access Apple Maps, Apple Music, and other services. You will have access to weather, playlists and telephone numbers while abroad.
Bluetooth-enabled wireless headsets let you communicate easily. With more apps available every day, Apple CarPlay keeps your bike’s technology on the cutting edge it's the best u can have for gadgets.
There are 2 models available one is a plain gold wing it has just side language space but looks sportier with a black finish and is lighter, whereas the gold wing tour has back support for the rear seat passenger with 3rd language space behind the rear seat passenger.
There are 2 models available one is a plain gold wing it has just side language space but looks sportier with a black finish and is lighter, whereas the gold wing tour has back support for the rear seat passenger with 3rd language space behind the rear seat passenger.
The overall body is slimmer than before.
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| Source: Honda India |
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| Source: Honda India |
Performance
Let’s talk about dynamics and behaviour, the gold wing has always been known for its comfortable ride but they have taken it to other levels by introducing DOUBLE-WISHBONE FRONT SUSPENSION. The familiar telescopic fork has been replaced with a stronger twin-leg structure, a pair of “A” arms and a single shock and spring.
The experimental Honda-engineered model breaks the conventional way the wheel follows through the suspension’s process; making it do a vertical movement making it able to move both the engine and the rider/passenger.
The seating positions of both the riders are now bit toward the front than before. The seating position is comfortable, and the design of the body is sucking that the wind flow will no longer bother you.
It still uses a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, which is the only similarity. It features a new bore and stroke, and a displacement of 1833 cc. It’s the first Gold Wings to use four valves per cylinder, a design based on our high-performance Unicam head design. It also features cylinder sleeves and a shorter, stiffer crank.
It ’s is more compact front-to-back, and lets you and your passenger move forward in the cockpit for more comfort, better handling, and a more connected feel with the bike’s steering.
It ’s is more compact front-to-back, and lets you and your passenger move forward in the cockpit for more comfort, better handling, and a more connected feel with the bike’s steering.
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| Source: Honda India |
Other innovations include merging the starter and alternator into one component. The overall effect is ground-breaking: a Gold Wing that’s still a long-distance champion, but one that offers a degree of more engaging and the sporting performance that all motorcyclists live for.
It comes with both manual and DCT(Dual-Clutch Transmission) option, but DCT is the one you should go for. DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission. Inside, the transmission is like a standard manual having a solid, productive, constant-mesh steel gears.
But a shift lever and a clutch lever can’t be seen in it—all the shifting is managed by buttons on the handlebar.
Another option that you have is, you can let the DCT function fully automatic, and the bike will upshift and downshift in a very smooth way. The twin-clutch packs, one for odd gears, one for even, making shifting fast and flawless.
Another option that you have is, you can let the DCT function fully automatic, and the bike will upshift and downshift in a very smooth way. The twin-clutch packs, one for odd gears, one for even, making shifting fast and flawless.
The DCT has been a big hit in many Honda motorcycles, and our Africa Twin has proven that it’s tough enough for fully loaded off-road travel. But the latest 2018 Gold Wings motorcycle has the best DCT we’ve ever seen and the first with the seven speeds. Furthermore, the DCT models offer a remarkable low-speed “Walking” mode in addition to reverse. It’s a huge help when manoeuvring into or out of a parking lot with a passenger.
Even in DCT u can take the manual control and ride it.
Even on the curvy road for a big heavy touring bike, it does that with ease and with so much power at its disposal it can launch like a rocket. It's also because the 2018 gold wing is much lighter than before which has affected its storage capacity but was worth it.
The fuel capacity has been reduced by 4 litres to 21 litres. Also, some sources have also claimed that it is now about 19 litres only, which can be a con compared to its rivals and present trend.
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| Source: Honda India |
Final verdict:
Looks and design: 9/10
Specs & features: 9/10
Dynamics & performance: 8/10
Safety & quality: 9.5/10
If you can afford it and you’re looking for a stylish bike with comforts like a super luxury car on 2 wheels with lots of storage and power then go for the touring model else you can go for the one with less capacity one.
To be honest, this bike is worth single penny, power the way it handles and the way it absorbs the bumps.
It’s a super luxury bike. I give you that.
